Registration system, apparatus, architecture, and method for inductive energy communication systems

ABSTRACT

Registration system, apparatus, architecture, and method for to repeatably operatively align or register a second inductive energy communication device or apparatus on or near a first inductive energy communication device or apparatus. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present invention is related to U.S. Provisional Patent application 62/027,728 entitled “REGISTRATION SYSTEM, APPARATUS, ARCHITECTURE, AND METHOD FOR INDUCTIVE ENERGY COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS”, Attorney Docket TN021.US, and filed Jul. 22, 2014, which is incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Various embodiments described herein relate to inductive energy communication systems, apparatus, and architecture, in particular registration apparatus, system, architecture, and methods for inductive energy communication devices and apparatus.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

It may be desirable to repeatably align or register a first inductive energy communication device or apparatus relative to a second inductive energy communication device or apparatus. The present invention includes such a registration apparatus, system, architecture, and method.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a simplified top view of inductive energy communication (IEC) registration architecture including a first IEC apparatus according to various embodiments.

FIG. 1B is a simplified side view of IEC registration architecture including a first IEC apparatus according to various embodiments.

FIG. 2A is a simplified top view of inductive energy communication (IEC) registration architecture including a second IEC apparatus being operatively placed on or near a first IEC apparatus according to various embodiments.

FIG. 2B is a simplified side view of inductive energy communication (IEC) registration architecture including a second IEC apparatus being operatively placed on or near a first IEC apparatus according to various embodiments.

FIG. 2C is a simplified top view of inductive energy communication (IEC) registration architecture including a registration apparatus being adjusted after operative placement of a second IEC apparatus on or near a first IEC apparatus according to various embodiments.

FIG. 2D is a simplified side view of inductive energy communication (IEC) registration architecture including a registration apparatus being adjusted after operative placement of a second IEC apparatus on or near a first IEC apparatus according to various embodiments.

FIG. 2E is a simplified top view of inductive energy communication (IEC) registration architecture including a registration apparatus adjusted based on operative placement of a second IEC apparatus on or near a first IEC apparatus according to various embodiments.

FIG. 2F is a simplified side view of inductive energy communication (IEC) registration architecture including a registration apparatus adjusted based on operative placement of a second IEC apparatus on or near a first IEC apparatus according to various embodiments.

FIG. 3A is a simplified top view of inductive energy communication (IEC) registration architecture including advancing a second IEC apparatus on or near a first IEC apparatus via a registration apparatus according to various embodiments.

FIG. 3B is a simplified side view of inductive energy communication (IEC) registration architecture including advancing a second IEC apparatus on or near a first IEC apparatus via a registration apparatus according to various embodiments.

FIG. 3C is a simplified top view of inductive energy communication (IEC) registration architecture including a second IEC apparatus operatively advanced on or near a first IEC apparatus via a registration apparatus according to various embodiments.

FIG. 3D is a simplified side view of inductive energy communication (IEC) registration architecture including a second IEC apparatus operatively advanced on or near a first IEC apparatus via a registration apparatus according to various embodiments.

FIG. 4A is a simplified left side view of an IEC architecture registration apparatus according to various embodiments.

FIG. 4B is a simplified top view of an IEC architecture registration apparatus according to various embodiments.

FIG. 4C is a simplified front view of an IEC architecture registration apparatus according to various embodiments.

FIG. 4D is a simplified rear view of an IEC architecture registration apparatus according to various embodiments.

FIG. 5A is a simplified left side view of another IEC architecture registration apparatus according to various embodiments.

FIG. 5B is a simplified top view of another IEC architecture registration apparatus according to various embodiments.

FIG. 5C is a simplified front view of another IEC architecture registration apparatus according to various embodiments.

FIG. 5D is a simplified rear view of another IEC architecture registration apparatus according to various embodiments.

FIG. 6A is a simplified left side view of a further IEC architecture registration apparatus according to various embodiments.

FIG. 6B is a simplified top view of a further IEC architecture registration apparatus according to various embodiments.

FIG. 6C is a simplified front view of a further IEC architecture registration apparatus according to various embodiments.

FIG. 6D is a simplified rear view of a further IEC architecture registration apparatus according to various embodiments.

FIG. 7A is flow diagram of an algorithm for adjusting a registration apparatus based on operative placement of a second IEC apparatus on or near a first IEC apparatus according to various embodiments.

FIG. 7B is flow diagram of an algorithm for operatively advancing a second IEC apparatus on or near a first IEC apparatus via a registration apparatus according to various embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1A is a simplified top view of inductive energy communication (IEC) registration architecture 100A including a first IEC apparatus 20 and a registration apparatus 10A according to various embodiments. FIG. 1B is a simplified side view of IEC registration architecture 100A including a first IEC apparatus 20 and a registration apparatus 10A according to various embodiments. In an embodiment, the first IEC apparatus 20 may include an induction coil 24, electronic circuity or processor 22, a rechargeable battery 23A, one or more feet or extensions 25A-25D, and a power cord 26A. The power cord may have a connector 26B that may be removabley connected to the electronic circuitry or processor 22. The power cord 26A may be connectable to a power source including an alternating current or direct current power source.

The electronic circuitry or processor 22 may generate an electromagnetic field via the induction coil and external energy provided by the power cord 26A. The electronic circuitry or processor 22 may also generate an electromagnetic field via the induction coil and the rechargeable battery 23A. The electronic circuitry or processor 22 may generate a high frequency electromagnetic field. In a further embodiment, the electronic circuitry or processor 22 may charge the battery 23A via energy provided by the power cord 26A. In a further embodiment, the electronic circuitry or processor 22 may charge the battery 23A via energy received from the induction coil 24.

FIG. 2A is a simplified top view of inductive energy communication (IEC) registration architecture 110A including a second IEC apparatus 30A being operatively placed on or near a first IEC apparatus 20 according to various embodiments. As shown in FIG. 2A, the second IEC apparatus 30A may include an upper surface or face 32A, a back surface 34A, a perimeter 36A, a bottom section 36B, and an induction coil 38A. In an embodiment, it may be desirable to substantially co-align the first IEC apparatus 20 induction coil 24 with the second apparatus 30A induction 38A to effectively form/operate a transformer between the coils 24, 38A. In an embodiment, one of the coil 24 and 38A may be the primary coil and the other of the coil 38A and 24 may be the secondary coil. In an embodiment, energy may be communicated between the apparatus 20, 30A via the coils 24 and 38A.

In an embodiment, the second IEC apparatus 38A may receive energy from the first IEC apparatus 20 when their coils 24 and 38A are about operatively placed near each other to allow energy to be transferred from the coil 24 to the coil 38A. The second IEC apparatus 30A may use the energy received by its coil 38A to enable apparatus components (face or screen 32A) to function or charge an internal battery 39A. In a further embodiment, the second IEC apparatus 38A may transfer or provide energy to the first IEC apparatus 20 when their coils 24 and 38A are about operatively placed near each other to allow energy to be transferred from the coil 38A to the coil 24. The first IEC apparatus 24 may use the energy received by its coil 24 to enable apparatus components (electronic circuitry or process 22) to function or charge an internal battery 23A.

FIG. 2A is a simplified top view and FIG. 2B is a simplified bottom view of inductive energy communication (IEC) registration architecture 110A including a second IEC apparatus 30A being operatively placed or aligned on or near a first IEC 20 apparatus according to various embodiments. In either operational mode, insufficient or no energy may be communicated between coils 24 and 38A when the coils 24, 38A are not within a minimum distance or axial alignment. A user may place the second IEC apparatus 30A on the first IEC apparatus 20 as shown in FIG. 2A and attempt to shift the apparatus 30A over the apparatus 20 so their respective coils 38A, 24 are operatively aligned. The second IEC apparatus 30A or first IEC apparatus 20 may provide a visual (screen 32A) or audio confirmation that the coils 24, 38A are operatively aligned so energy may be communicated between the apparatuses 20, 30A via the coils 24, 38A.

It may be difficult depending on environmental conditions and apparatus's condition (dead battery 23A, 31A) to operatively align or re-align their coils 24, 38A. In an embodiment, the first IEC apparatus 20 may primarily be an energy providing apparatus and configured to provide energy to second apparatus 30A having different dimensions. The second IEC apparatus 30A may be primarily an energy receiving apparatus 30A including a portable electronic device including a laptop, cellular phone, tablet, gaming controller, headset, or other device. As shown in FIG. 2A, the second IEC apparatus 30A may be larger than the first IEC apparatus making visual alignment difficult.

In order to enable users to easily and repeatably align a second IEC apparatus 30A with a first IEC apparatus 20, architecture 110A may include a registration apparatus 10A as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. In an embodiment, a user may employ the algorithm 40 shown in FIG. 7A to initially align the apparatuses 20, 30A and set the registration apparatus 10A for future apparatus 20, 30A operative re-alignment. As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, a user may first place a first or second IEC apparatus 20, 30. A near or on the second or first apparatus 30A, 20 (activity 42 of algorithm 40). A user may then move one or both apparatuses 20, 30A away and toward the registration apparatus 10A (along vector 5A) until the coils 24, 38A are operatively aligned (activities 44 and 46 of algorithm 40).

Once the coils 24, 38A are operatively aligned, the registration apparatus 10A may be shifted to be adjacent the perimeter 36A of the second IEC apparatus 30A (activity 48 of algorithm 40) via movement vector 5B. In an embodiment, the registration apparatus 10A may be releasably or fictionably moveable or slidable on the power cable 26A of the first IEC apparatus 20 as shown in FIGS. 2C and 2D. FIG. 2C is a simplified top view of inductive energy communication (IEC) registration architecture 110A including a registration apparatus 10A being adjusted after operative placement of a second IEC apparatus 30A on or near a first IEC apparatus 20 according to various embodiments. FIG. 2D is a simplified side view of inductive energy communication (IEC) registration architecture 110A including a registration apparatus 10A being adjusted after operative placement of a second IEC apparatus 30A on or near a first IEC apparatus 20 according to various embodiments.

FIG. 2E is a simplified top view and FIG. 2F is a simplified side view of inductive energy communication (IEC) registration architecture 110A including a registration apparatus 10A adjusted after operative placement of a second IEC apparatus 30A on or near a first IEC apparatus 20 according to various embodiments. As shown in FIGS. 2E and 2F, the registration apparatus 10A is adjacent to the second IEC apparatus bottom section 36B and the coils 24, 38A are operatively co-aligned. The registration apparatus 10A may be held in place by fiction between the apparatus 10A and the power cord 26A in an embodiment.

Once the registration apparatus 10A has been adjusted via algorithm 40, a user may employ the algorithm 50 shown in FIG. 7B to operatively re-align the second IEC apparatus 30A with the first IEC apparatus 20. FIGS. 3A and 3C are simplified top views and FIGS. 3B and 3D are simplified side views of inductive energy communication (IEC) registration architecture 110A employing the registration apparatus 10A to operatively re-align a second IEC apparatus 30A on or near a first IEC apparatus 20 according to various embodiments. As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B in an embodiment, a registration apparatus 10A may include a base 12A, an extension 14A and a cable interface 16A. In an embodiment, a user may move a second IEC apparatus 30A toward the registration apparatus 10A (movement vector 5C) extension 14A until an apparatus 30A section (based 36A in an embodiment) abuts, contacts, or is adjacent the registration apparatus 10A registration extension 14A (activity 52 of algorithm 50). A user may then rotate the second IEC downward (movement vector 5D as shown in FIG. 3D) until the second IEC apparatus 30A rests on one or more feet or extensions 23A-D of the first IEC apparatus 20 while also abutting the registration apparatus 10A (activity 54 of algorithm 50).

FIG. 4A is a simplified left side view, FIG. 4B is a simplified top view, FIG. 4C is a simplified front view, and FIG. 4D is a simplified rear view of an IEC architecture registration apparatus 10A according to various embodiments. As shown in FIGS. 4A-4D, the registration apparatus 10A includes a base 12A, an extension 14A, and a cable interface 16A. The base 12A and extension 14A may have a similar width. The base 12A may be configured to rest on a flat surface and hold the extension in about 90 degrees from the flat surface. The extension 14A height may vary as a function of the first IEC apparatus 20 height from on a flat surface (including the feet or extensions 25A-25D) in an embodiment and the thickness (from back 34A to front 32A) of the second IEC apparatus 30A.

As shown in FIG. 4D, the cable interface 16A may include a compressible material 13A, a fenestration 17A smaller than the cable 26A diameter and a releasably closable latch 15A. The extension 14A may have a fenestration 11A slightly larger than the cable 26A diameter and the cable 26B base. When the cable interface 16A is open via the latch 15A, the cable 26B base may be insertable through the cable interface 16A and extension fenestration 11A. A user may leave the latch 15A open in order to move the registration apparatus 10A along the cable 26A during registration placement (activities 42-46 of algorithm 40) and then close the latch 15A to securely engage the cable 26A. In another embodiment, a user may be able to overcome the fiction between the cable interface 16A and cable 26A with the latch 15A closed during registration placement. The compressible material 13A may be a polymer, silicon, natural material including rubber or other compressible material. In another embodiment, the cable interface 16A may not include a compressible material 13A.

FIG. 5A is a simplified left side view, FIG. 5B is a simplified top view, FIG. 5C is a simplified front view, and FIG. 5D is a simplified rear view of all IEC architecture registration apparatus 10B according to various embodiments. As shown in FIGS. 5A-5D, the registration apparatus 10B includes a base 12A, an extension 14B, and a cable interface 16A. The base 12A and extension 14B may have a similar width. In an embodiment, the extension 14B may include a horizontal extension 19B at its distal end. The extension 19B length and thickness may more easily enable a user to engage a section of a second IEC apparatus 30A (bottom edge 36A in an embodiment) when a user is attempting to operatively re-align the second IEC apparatus 30A with the first IEC apparatus 20 via the registration extension 14B.

FIG. 6A is a simplified left side view, FIG. 6B is a simplified top view, FIG. 6C is a simplified front view, and FIG. 6D is a simplified rear view of an IEC architecture registration apparatus 10C according to various embodiments. As shown in FIGS. 6A-6D, the registration apparatus 10C includes a base 12A, an extension 14C, and a cable interface 16A. The extension 14C may be similar to extension 14A and 14B but have a different shape. Other registration shapes and configurations are possible within the scope of the invention as recited herein.

Applications that may include the novel apparatus and systems of various embodiments include electronic circuitry used in high-speed computers, communication and signal processing circuitry, moderns, single or multi-processor modules, single or multiple embedded processors, data switches, and application-specific modules, including multilayer, multi-chip modules. Such apparatus and systems may further be included as sub-components within a variety of electronic systems, such as televisions, cellular telephones, personal computers (e.g., laptop computers, desktop computers, handheld computers, tablet computers, etc.), workstations, radios, video players, audio players (e.g., mp3 players), vehicles, medical devices (e.g., heart monitor, blood pressure monitor, etc.) and others. Some embodiments may include a number of methods.

It may be possible to execute the activities described herein in an order other than the order described. Various activities described with respect to the methods identified herein can be executed in repetitive, serial, or parallel fashion. The accompanying drawings that form a part hereof show, by way of illustration and not of limitation, specific embodiments in which the subject matter may be practiced. The embodiments illustrated are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the teachings disclosed herein. Other embodiments may be utilized and derived therefrom, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. This Detailed Description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of various embodiments is defined only by the appended claims, along with the full range of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

Such embodiments of the inventive subject matter may be referred to herein individually or collectively by the term “invention” merely for convenience and without intending to voluntarily limit the scope of this application to any single invention or inventive concept, if more than one is in fact disclosed. Thus, although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, any arrangement calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments. Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description.

The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R.§ 1.72(b), requiring an abstract that will allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In the foregoing Detailed Description, various features are grouped together in a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted to require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, inventive subject matter may be found in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment. 

1. An electronic device registration apparatus for positioning a a first surface of a first electronic device on a second surface of a second electronic device, the first electronic device including a third surface offset from the first surface, and the second electronic device having an electric cord extending substantially planar to the second surface, the registration apparatus including: a base; an interface coupled with the base, the interface configured to receive the electric cord inserted releasably and/or frictionally through the interface; and an extension coupled with the base and/or the interface, the extension having at least a fourth surface configured to abut the first surface and/or the third surface of the first electronic device.
 2. The electronic device registration apparatus of claim 1, wherein the electric cord has a substantially uniform envelope along a section, and wherein the interface includes a fenestration that is sized to apply a overcomable friction along the substantially uniform envelope to at least enable a movement of the second electronic device relative to the electronic device registration apparatus.
 3. The electronic device registration apparatus of claim 1, wherein the electric cord has a substantially uniform envelope along a section, wherein the interface includes a fenestration having a releasable mechanism, and wherein engaging the releasable mechanism changes a size of the fenestration relative to the uniform envelope of the electric cord.
 4. The electronic device registration apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first surface and/or the third surface of the first electronic device is substantially planar, and wherein the fourth surface of the extension is substantially planar.
 5. The electronic device registration apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first surface of the electronic device is substantially planar, and wherein the second surface of the second electronic device is substantially planar.
 6. The electronic device registration apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first surface of the first electronic device is larger than the second surface of the second electronic device.
 7. The electronic device registration apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first electronic device includes a first induction coil substantially parallel to the first surface, wherein the second electronic device includes a second induction coil substantially parallel to the second surface, and wherein the second electronic device communicates energy with the first electronic device when the first inductive coil and the second inductive coil are operatively collocated.
 8. (canceled)
 9. An electronic device registration system for a first electronic device having a first surface and a second surface offset from the first surface, the system including: a second electronic device having a third surface and an electric cord extending substantially planar to the third surface, the first surface of the electronic device to be positioned on the third surface of the second electronic device; and a registration apparatus including: a base; an interface coupled with the base, the interface configured to receive the electric cord inserted releasably and/or frictionally through the interface; and an extension coupled with the base and/or the interface, the extension having at least a fourth surface configured to abut the first surface and/or the third surface of the first electronic device.
 10. The electronic device registration system of claim 9, wherein the electric cord has a substantially uniform envelope along a section, and wherein the interface includes a fenestration that is sized to apply a overcomable friction along the substantially uniform envelope to at least enable a movement of the second electronic device relative to the electronic device registration apparatus.
 11. The electronic device registration system of claim 9, wherein the electric cord has a substantially uniform envelope along a section, wherein the interface includes a fenestration having a releasable mechanism, and wherein engaging the releasable mechanism changes a size of the fenestration relative to the uniform envelope of the electric cord.
 12. The electronic device registration system of claim 9, wherein the first surface and/or the third surface of the first electronic device is substantially planar, and wherein the fourth surface of the extension is substantially planar.
 13. The electronic device registration system of claim 9, wherein the first surface of the electronic device is substantially planar, and wherein the second surface of the second electronic device is substantially planar.
 14. The electronic device registration system of claim 9, wherein the first surface of the first electronic device is larger than the second surface of the second electronic device.
 15. The electronic device registration system of claim 13, wherein the first electronic device includes a first induction coil substantially parallel to the first surface, wherein the second electronic device includes a second induction coil substantially parallel to the second surface, and wherein the second electronic electric device communicates energy with the first electronic device when the first inductive coil and the second inductive coil are operatively collocated.
 16. A method, comprising: positioning a first surface of a first electronic device at a desired location on a second surface of a second electronic device, the first electronic device having a third surface that offset from the first surface, the second electronic device having an electric cord extending substantially planar to the second surface; and aligning the first electronic device with the second electronic device based at least on the first surface and/or the third surface of the first electronic device abutting an extension of an electronic device registration apparatus, the electronic device registration apparatus further including a base and an interface coupled with the base, the interface configured receive the electric cord to inserted releasably and/or frictionally through the interface.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the electric cord has a substantially uniform envelope along a section, and wherein the interface includes a fenestration that is sized to apply a overcomable friction along the substantially uniform envelope to at least enable a movement of the second electronic device relative to the electronic device registration apparatus.
 18. The method of employing an electronic device registration apparatus of claim 16, wherein the electric cord has a substantially uniform envelope along a section, wherein the interface includes a fenestration having a releasable mechanism, and wherein engaging the releasable mechanism changes a size of the fenestration relative to the uniform envelope of the electric cord.
 19. The method of employing an electronic device registration apparatus of claim 16, wherein the first electronic device includes a first induction coil substantially parallel to the first surface, wherein the second electronic device includes a second induction coil substantially parallel to the second surface, and wherein the second electronic device communicates energy with the first electronic device when the first inductive coil and the second inductive coil are operatively collocated.
 20. (canceled)
 21. The electronic device registration apparatus of claim 1, wherein the extension includes the fourth surface configured to abut the third surface of the first electronic device, and wherein the extension further includes a fifth surface configured to abut the first surface of the first electronic device.
 22. The electronic registration apparatus of claim 21, wherein the fifth surface comprises a horizontal extension at a distal end of the fourth surface. 